Zaharan Saly

Operating within a group finance environment at Alpha Dhabi Holding, a leading investment group, I support financial oversight and strategic decision-making across a diversified portfolio. My role focuses on group-level reporting, financial planning, and investment performance analysis, aligned with the organisation’s capital allocation and growth objectives. Group Financial Reporting & Strategic Insights: I lead monthly MIS reporting and budget vs actual analysis across 10+ subsidiaries, delivering consolidated insights that support executive and board-level decision-making. By translating complex financial data into clear variance drivers and forward-looking analysis, I enhance performance visibility and enable informed strategic decisions. Portfolio Performance & Investment Oversight: I support performance monitoring across an AED 80Bn+ diversified investment portfolio, spanning listed, private, and fund investments. Through structured performance analysis and valuation tracking, I contribute to portfolio reviews and strategic decision-making, ensuring alignment with investment objectives. Cash Flow & Treasury Analysis: I analyse group-wide liquidity across AED 40Bn+ cash and deposit balances, supporting funding decisions, liquidity planning, and capital deployment strategies. My work strengthens financial control and supports optimisation of treasury and short-term financing activities. With a focus on strategic financial leadership, compliance, and growth-oriented planning, I am eager to connect with professionals interested in leveraging finance to drive innovation and long-term value.

Reporting directly to the CFO and Board of Directors at Manazel PJSC, a leading real estate developer, I drive financial strategies that support high-value asset management and regulatory compliance. My role encompasses financial oversight, business planning, and project management, ensuring alignment with Manazel’s strategic growth goals. Group Consolidation & Strategic Reporting: I lead consolidation efforts for 14 subsidiaries across diverse sectors—including district cooling, facility management, retail malls, and property development—managing assets totaling over AED 5.5 billion. By delivering monthly consolidated reports and actionable insights, I empower leadership with data-driven decisions and enhance financial transparency across the organization. Debt Management & Compliance: Overseeing a debt portfolio exceeding AED 1.4 billion, I have achieved a reduction of AED 110 million through strategic repayments and OTS settlements with major banks. My role also includes cash flow forecasting and collaborating with advisors like Houlihan Lokey and PwC on restructuring strategies, as well as ensuring strict compliance with KYC, FATCA, CSR, and AML standards across multiple banking relationships. Project Financial Oversight & Tax Compliance: I provide financial management for significant projects, including the AED 1.3 billion retail mall portfolio and the AED 1.2 billion Merzab development, aligning budgets and forecasts with strategic goals. Additionally, I oversee corporate tax registration and VAT compliance across 24 entities, developing standardized tax return models and ensuring timely, accurate filings.

At Oumolat, the GCC’s first banknote printing facility, I reported directly to the General Manager and Board of Directors, where I led financial strategies that supported multimillion-dollar projects and upheld rigorous financial controls. I delivered impactful presentations to Board Members, coordinated budgets, and implemented controls, creating a foundation of financial accountability within the organization. Financial Reporting & Compliance: As a cornerstone of monthly reporting, I provided insights on budget variances and KPIs that aligned with corporate objectives. My responsibilities also extended to managing commercial invoicing to Central Banks globally and maintaining VAT-compliant sales registers. I led the adoption of IFRS 16 and IFRS 9 standards, ensuring adherence to international financial regulations. Project Costing & Strategic Partnerships: I spearheaded accurate costing for currency projects exceeding $850 million, managed complex audit processes, and played a pivotal role in Oumolat’s merger with the Central Bank of UAE. Collaborating directly with the Central Bank CFO and group auditors, I facilitated smooth integration and alignment, contributing to a successful merger. Team Leadership & Operational Excellence: In the absence of the Finance Manager, I stepped in to lead a finance team of three, demonstrating adaptability and leadership in a high-stakes environment. I implemented robust internal controls, supervised financial closings, and managed monthly payroll, ensuring financial stability and operational precision across Oumolat. Through these initiatives, I consistently drove financial clarity, strategic alignment, and regulatory compliance, positioning finance as a cornerstone for Oumolat’s growth and operational excellence.

As Senior Accountant for AFS & EMA, the Middle East and Africa franchise arm of Fuddruckers, I played an integral role in financial reporting, process standardization, and ERP system implementation across our UAE operations. Reporting directly to senior management, I provided comprehensive financial oversight and support for franchise outlets, enhancing financial clarity and operational efficiency. Financial Reporting & Analysis: Analyzed and prepared weekly sales reports for over 37 franchise outlets, producing detailed month-end financial packs that included income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and KPI-driven ratio analyses. My insights supported data-driven decision-making and provided a strong financial foundation across business units. ERP Implementation & Compliance: Led the migration to Microsoft Dynamics, streamlining accounting processes and replacing the legacy Oracle system to drive efficiency. I also standardized financial statements in line with IFRS, ensuring compliance and alignment with international financial standards, setting a foundation for consistent financial reporting. Operational Accounting & Payroll Management: Oversaw accounts payables and receivables, including supplier payments, credit card transactions, and royalty calculations for 37 outlets. Additionally, I managed payroll, leave payments, and gratuity disbursements for over 300 staff members, ensuring timely and accurate payments to support operational continuity. This role allowed me to combine technical accounting expertise with a focus on efficiency and compliance, supporting a network of franchises across the Middle East. Let’s connect to explore how strategic accounting and financial planning can empower growth and operational success.

At Tesco PLC, the UK’s largest retailer, I advanced from Stock Controller to Deputy Manager, gaining comprehensive experience in people management, compliance, and operational efficiency. Leading a high-performing team, I contributed to store performance and strategic initiatives that supported Tesco’s customer-centric mission in one of the company’s largest markets. Operational Leadership & Compliance: Managed all aspects of store operations, from overseeing cash processes to ensuring safe and legal routines were strictly adhered to. My role included maintaining daily compliance standards, enforcing product protection protocols, and addressing operational issues with proactive planning. Customer Service & Sales Optimization: Played a pivotal role in customer service management, planning seasonal, trade-driving, and promotional activities to maximize sales and enhance the customer experience. I was also instrumental in delivering the Direct to Store business plan, aligning our in-store initiatives with Tesco’s broader strategic goals. Team Development & Performance Management: Led my team through people management activities, coaching, and daily decision-making support, fostering a culture of high standards and teamwork. Contributed to the store’s “Steering Wheel Performance” by consistently meeting key performance indicators, ensuring that store operations aligned with corporate objectives. My time at Tesco reinforced the value of customer-first strategies, operational excellence, and effective team leadership. Let’s connect to discuss how leadership in retail operations can drive business success and enhance customer satisfaction.

At Multitop Accountants in London, I provided comprehensive accounting and audit services for small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and strategic insights. My role included preparing financial statements, conducting external audits, and offering actionable recommendations to support clients' financial health. Financial Reporting, Budgeting & Audit Engagements: Prepared monthly and quarterly financial statements, analyzing revenue and expenditure trends to inform budget adjustments. Conducted external audits by planning, executing fieldwork, and delivering audit reports, providing clients with insights to enhance financial stability. Account Reconciliation & Compliance: Performed reconciliations for bank statements, accounts payable, and receivables, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance. As an external auditor, I evaluated internal controls and tested financial records to provide assurance on financial statements in line with UK standards. Audit Fieldwork & Client Advisory: Conducted audit fieldwork, verifying asset valuations, testing transactions, and advising client teams on financial risks and process improvements. This role enhanced my skills in client relationship management and promoted transparency and best practices. This experience developed my expertise in external audit and financial reporting, empowering clients to navigate financial complexities confidently. Let’s connect to discuss how rigorous audit practices drive financial integrity and growth.

As an Accounts Executive for Malaysia Airlines under Hemas Holdings PLC, a major conglomerate in Sri Lanka, I was responsible for financial management, reporting, and compliance, directly supporting critical business decisions in the aviation sector. My role involved comprehensive analysis, tax management, and the implementation of robust internal controls to enhance financial accuracy and adherence to company standards. Financial Reporting & Variance Analysis: Prepared monthly profit and loss statements, conducting in-depth variance analysis to ensure that all finance functions aligned with company guidelines and accounting standards. I created front-end business reports that provided leadership with data-driven insights, aiding in strategic decision-making. Internal Controls & Compliance: Developed and documented policy and procedure guidelines for internal controls, ensuring that financial operations maintained high standards of accuracy and compliance. My work contributed to safeguarding the integrity of financial processes across the organization. Payments & Tax Management: Finalized all payments within the credit period, ensuring timely settlements with suppliers. I managed the full tax function for the company, including VAT and NBT, and gained hands-on experience with the SAP ERP system, reinforcing my expertise in both financial systems and tax compliance. This role strengthened my abilities in financial reporting, internal controls, and tax management, contributing to Malaysia Airlines' operational efficiency. Let’s connect to discuss how strategic financial management drives accuracy and compliance in complex business environments.

CIMA is the world’s largest and leading professional body of management accountants with a mission to help people and businesses to succeed in the public and private sectors.

With approx 12,000 words of experience log submission and a successful face to face assessment with two assessors from Uk and Dubai. I have been officially admitted as a member of CIMA global on 2nd July 2020

Graduated with Honors in MSc Accountancy and Finance